Antique Toys

Myra and Eric Outwater live not far from Allentown, Pennsylvania, an important hub for the antique and cast iron toy world. They have written other books with Schiffer Publishing Ltd., including Advertising Dolls** (1997), Ocean Liner Collectibles** (1998), Judaica**(1999), Florida Kitsch** (1999), and Floridiana: Collecting Florida's Best** (1999). Stevie and Bill Weart are distinguished collectors of exquisite cast iron toys for many years, building and sharing their interest throughout the country. They also reside near Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, October 21, 2009
"Curator Scott Eberle writes lively histories of the toys, photographed in whimsical poses."

Dallas Morning News, December 7, 2009
"Kids will love thumbing through this one, but they'll no doubt have to pry it out of the hands of their rapt parents first. The book is sure to evoke lots of boomer-generation childhood memories, and might even coax a 21st-century tot into wanting something as archaic as, say, a Raggedy Ann doll or a Hula Hoop.

The text displays a nice sense of humor and irony. For instance: 'The bubble-cut Barbie that appeared in 1961 softened the doll's look by replacing the tight Teutonic ponytail. When Barbie parted her hair on the side, she seemed more casual and less severe, more Fresno and less Frankfurt.'"

Ann Strainchamps, Wisconsin Public Radio, December 4, 2009
“One of the best coffee table books of the year.”

Babble.com
“Get it for you, then share the stories with the kids.”

The Journal-Register, December 10, 2009
“Nostalgia, history, sociology — this book covers all of the imaginable bases that are involved with play. Eberle’s work makes for a truly tremendous toy story.”

The Washington Post, December 24, 2009
"…wonderful…There's no doubt that "Classic Toys" will entice even the most hard-nosed Scrooge or hardhearted Grinch to waste a lot of valuable, billable time simply smiling over pictures of Radio Flyer wagons, wooden rocking horses and fancy Duncan yo-yos. Those of a more sentimental nature may simply find themselves aching with nostalgia. But the pictures are only half the story here. Don't neglect Scott G. Eberle's fact-filled essays…Because of Eberle's sharply written text, "Classic Toys" isn't just a sentimental journey into childhood: It's also a work of incisive cultural commentary and a pleasure to read."

The Commercial Dispatch, February 5, 2010
“…a big, colorful book that is bound to bring you a happy sense of nostalgia….this book is so delightful…This is a book about a subject that all of us love, and it is colorful, informative, and (pardon) playful.”

David Longest has authored six previous identification guides on collectible and antique toys for Collector Books. This, his latest work, covers collectible toys produced from 1900 to the present and groups toys chronologically into four periods. The first chapter on Victorian and Golden Age Toys covers toys manufactured from 1900 to the beginning of the depression in 1929. Chapter two looks at toys from the '30s and the war years followed by a chapter entitled "The T.V. Room and Baby Boom".

Both experienced collectors and beginners will find these guides useful in identifying antiques in many areas and determining their styles and periods.

Not everyone has enjoyed owning fine furniture, ceramics, glass, or silver, but almost everyone has had toys. It is no wonder that this has become one of the greatest areas for collecting, for it caters to that longing for nostalgia in so many people. Here is a useful guide for both amateur and serious collectors.

David Cooke's passion for Corgi Toys began when as a child he was given a model for Christmas by his grandfather, and his collection grew. In 1972 he founded the South West Model Club and in 1979 the East Anglian Model Club. David now appears regularly on radio and television describing toys, lectures to many organizations, writes articles for magazines and is the Corgi Toy Curator at Bressingham Steam Museum in Norfolk.

Matthew Robinson was born and raised on a steady diet of action figures and Saturday morning cartoons. When he’s not writing, he’s a member of the popular comedic rap group the Trilambs. He lives in Los Angeles.

Jensen Karp is a professional 1980s pop culture historian, talented rapper named Hot Karl, and owner of Gallery 1988, a pop art gallery named after his favorite year. He once met Anthony Michael Hall and lives in Los Angeles.

Karen O'Brien is the toy book editor for Krause Publications. A lifelong toy collector, her varied collection includes Tonka dump trucks, promos, model kits, assorted 1:43 cars and the Corgi Batmobile that started it all. She is also editor of Warman's[registered] Toys Field Guide, 2004 Toys & Prices, Classic Matchbox and Standard Catalog of[registered] Farm Toys.

Karen O'Brien is a lifelong toy collector with a contagious enthusiasum for old toys. She's written and edited many definitive toy collecting references including Toys & Prices, Warman's Farm Toys Field Guide, Standard Catalog of Farm Toys and O'Brien's Toy Cars & Trucks.

This book is highly informative and up to date with its descriptions and prices. I use this book as my bible for toys becouse it contains not only the easy to get prices, but also the hard to find toy prices. The only draw back that I can see is I would like to see more pictures. This is a must for your toy collectible library of price books.- Thomas J. Niedermeier

Justin Moen has edited many toy-related books in the KP line, notably toy trains and Hot Wheels Variations, The Ultimate Guide, 3rd and 4th Editions. In addition, he has brought together 15 of the finest toy experts in the country to update images, listings, and prices. These experts include, but are not limited to, Mark Bellomo (Action Figures, G.I. Joe, and Star Wars), Joe Soucy (Lunch Boxes), Shawn Peterson (PEZ), and Bruce Fox (Fisher-Price) just to name a few. All have authored toy books related to their field.